Josh Hazlewood vs Virat Kohli — IPL 2026

Josh Hazlewood vs Virat Kohli is one of the most searched IPL 2026 fantasy comparisons. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Josh Hazlewood is a specialist bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, priced at 9.5 Cr this season. Over 9 matches he has scored a total of 426 fantasy points, averaging 47 pts per game with a best of 156 pts., and has claimed 11 wickets with an economy of 9.21. He has won Man of the Match 2 times this season.

Virat Kohli is a specialist batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, priced at 11 Cr. Across 12 matches he has earned 937 fantasy points, averaging 78 pts per game with a best of 206 pts. He has scored 484 runs at a strike rate of 165.8. He has won 2 MOTM awards this season.

Batting edge: Virat Kohli leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Josh Hazlewood has been the more impactful bowler IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Virat Kohli is the stronger pick right now with an average of 78 pts per game and a best score of 206 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Virat Kohli is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.